Thaiday shrugs off neck, concussion worries

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Broncos forward Sam Thaiday has revealed he suffered significant stiffness in his neck as a result of two hefty head knocks he receive in the dying stages of last Friday's loss to the Roosters, although he has dismissed any concerns surrounding his concussion.

Before the beginning of the season, the NRL implemented a new policy for protecting players from the perils of playing while concussed. Deterrents for clubs perceived to be flouting these new laws include sanctions such as fines, possible suspension of medical staff and even loss of competition points.

Canterbury, Parramatta and Penrith have also been in the spotlight recently due to incidents where their players have shown signs of concussion but have not been withdrawn from the field. The NRL issued 'please explain' letters after three incidents occurred involving the Bulldogs' Josh Jackson, Will Hopoate of the Eels and James Segeyaro of the Panthers.

Thaiday copped two blows to the head trying to help his teammates fend off the Chooks in the final five minutes of Brisbane's gut-wrenching 30-26 loss, with the 28-year-old left dazed and confused in the initial moments following both incidents.

"My neck was really stiff after the game," Thaiday admitted.

"I got a couple of knocks and bangs on the neck but the physios have been really kind to me and the training staff gave me a lighter session yesterday.

"I'll get through [training] today (Monday) and our last training run on Thursday and I'll be fine for Friday [against the Dragons]."

Unfortunately Thaiday is no stranger when it comes to finding himself sprawled on the turf, most recently having been floored by a Sam Burgess high shot in the opening game of the 2013 World Cup.

As details continue to emerge on the neck injury sustained by the Knights' Alex McKinnon against the Storm on Monday, Thaiday lamented that head and neck injuries were one of the unfortunate hazards a footballer faced throughout their careers.

"It's a very dangerous sport that we play and players are going to get put in these positions. I don’t think anyone's to blame or at fault, it's just the risk you take… I don’t think the finger should be pointed at anyone," he said.

"We had the retirement of Jharal Yow Yeh last week and it shows that one tackle, one run, one jump – those types of things can end and ruin your career.

"It makes you step back a little bit and look at what you've doing week in, week out. You just have to make sure that you're looking after your body as much as you can and looking after yourself on and off the field.